In a weak free-agent class, the Buffalo Bills understand that any player signed to a deal will come with their own set of baggage and concerns along the way.
That can be the case for a player like former Los Angeles Chargers Pro Bowl edge rusher Joey Bosa. In nine seasons with Los Angeles, Bosa has recorded 72 sacks and was once known as one of the more dominant pass rushers in the league.
The issue for Bosa has been health.
The former third-overall pick has played in 28 games over the last three years due to different injuries suffered across the board. That injury history didn't go away when he signed with the Bills.
They are well aware of it. It's just something the team is happy to gamble with on a young team in need of a veteran presence.
Here's what GM Brandon Beane said in the spring when he was signed ...
"Yes, he has had some injuries. Most of them, if you watch him play, he plays the game violently. He plays reckless, without care for his body, which you love, but sometimes, you've seen it here with Milano a little bit, too, he plays the wrecking ball style. He knows how to rush. He hasn't lost that," Beane said. "We have a plan with every player, not just guys who have been injured. Our performance guys do a really good job… we put an individualized plan for each of these guys in."
And now?
Bosa is hurt. Again. A calf problem will keep him out until camp.
But eventually?
Buffalo is trusting they'll be better in handling Bosa's injury history compared to the man he is replacing in former Super Bowl MVP Von Miller. The former Denver Bronco recorded just 14 sacks in three seasons with the team while battling injuries.
Free agency is always a gamble for every team in the league.
For Buffalo, though, if Bosa can be anywhere close to the elite player he was in L.A., they'll be even closer to a Super Bowl.